Very cool! The great hall is amazing; the ceiling is thirty to forty feet high. Go easy on the mead, or you’ll forget the whole night (honey wine from which the term honeymoon is derived). The dinner was good with huge portions and free-flowing wine. The after–meal entertainment was nice, and added to the medieval experience. They sang for almost an hour, and wore period clothing. I would definitely recommend this. Arrive a couple of hours early for the first sitting and tour the folk village. Be prepared to climb some stairs, as this is an actual castle and devoid of modern convenience.

We (parents and two children aged 8 and 4) visited the Castle and Folk Park on a rather cold and wet Saturday morning, April 2008.

Dodging the showers, we first explored the folk park which has a variety of reconstructed homes and shops mostly dating from the 19th Century: among them a "byre" dwelling where people and animals lived under the same roof (a mother hen and chick were occupying the animal quarters when we popped in); the Shannon farmhouse which was moved to make way for the runway at Shannon airport; Hazelbrook House (1898) was owned by the Hughes Brothers of HB icecream fame; Ardcroney church; the schoolhouse, and two fine watermills. These were some of our favourite buildings. Plus Bunratty House; we spent quite a while there, as the heavens opened just as we approached the House, which is set on higher ground with super views across the Shannon estuary. The lady who was "keeping guard" over the rooms (ground floor only) told me that the house had been left to fall into such a state of disrepair that virtually everything, roof, doors, wallpaper and furnishings were all "new" where necessary; doors, and wallpaper had been specially crafted for the house, and other items purchased from antique shops. However it had all been done with such taste that I had believed the house to be the "genuine" article (ie original furnishings, doors, paintings etc).

Outside once again, we were amused by the sight of three men trying to catch some sheep and lambs from a field in the Park - without much success!

We then wandered through the Park to the Castle; what a magnificent building! The children really enjoyed climbing the steep narrow winding stairs to the roof, where fabulous views of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed. The Great Hall and the North Solar were particularly impressive with tapestries (Great Hall) and dark oak furniture. I also thought the stained glass windows very beautiful.

Afterwards, we stopped at the little tea room in the Park for refreshments. I was surprised to see how small the tea room is for such a popular attraction. Fortunately the Park wasn't busy and we were able to find a table without delay, but I imagine that on busier days the queues would stretch out into the courtyard. Not a huge choice of food or drink - definitely room for improvement! There are lots of nicer places to eat just across the road . . .

I've read comments on Tripadvisor (mostly from residents of Ireland rather than over-seas visitors) that Bunratty is "cheesy" and "touristy", however I found the Park to be very interesting and we all learnt something about life in Ireland over a century ago. The children in particular were fascinated to see the stone floors in the houses, the little iron bed-steads and the "byre" house where the family would have slept in the same room as the cows.

I would definitely recommend a visit to Bunratty and am sure that we will return one year . . .

I visited Bunratty Castle in March 2008.

This visit was part of the Taste of Ireland Tour by CIE so the 50 euros the banquet costs was included in the package's price.

It was an excellent evening where everyone just wanted to have fun. Like other reviewers we were served vegetable soup, spare ribs, chicken with vegetables and a strawberry dessert. I doubt you will leave the castle hungry. The food was served with red wine and water and before leaving we were served tea/coffee.

The whole experience was very interesting. While my English knowledge could be much better (which means that I didn't understand everything that was said) the part I enjoyed most, besides the good atmosphere, was the music. The actors sang very, very well and the two musicians were really skilled. Personally I enjoyed enormously the harp solo that was so sweet. Actually I didn't know I liked medieval music that much :-).

I already posted a short video where you can hear the actors singing and judge by yourself...

Enjoy your visit to the castle!

Best regards!

Oscar from Denmark

This is my favorite castle to visit in Ireland. I love the history behind it and the castle itself with it antiques collection from Spain, Germany and other places.. The folk park is quaint and charming. The thatched roof houses are a wonderful sight. The medieval banquet is entertaining and the food is great. Granted there are other castles not far from Bunratty, King John's Castle (or Limerick castle), Knappogue castle to name a few that most people would find more charming as well. But, I would recommend people to visit Bunratty, it is worth the time.